The Citroën Skate is a modular electric vehicle featuring a basic skateboard platform that can be equipped with different thematic pods. Designed for autonomous driving on exclusive traffic lanes, Citroën claims that a fleet of these vehicles could improve traffic flow in urban centers by at least 35%.
The modular design allows the same basic chassis to be used for multiple functions, switching between a passenger vehicle and a delivery van, for example. Citroën calls it “open source,” stating that local governments or businesses could design capsules for specific purposes.
Citroën partnered with two companies to design three thematic capsules. Hotel company Accor designed two capsules, one as luxury transport for two or three passengers, and another as a mini gym on wheels. The third capsule, designed in collaboration with advertising firm JCDecaux, is intended for public transport and features an open design with plants on the roof.
The flat design of the basic skateboard resembles the modular platforms from the Israeli company REE, but Citroën also included a mechanical nod to its own heritage. To maximize ride comfort and accommodate different capsules, the Skate uses movable hydraulic cushions, which could be considered an evolution of the hydropneumatic suspension used in the iconic Citroën DS.
It’s unclear if the Skate will go into production, but it might be classified as a low-speed vehicle. Meanwhile, the Citroën e-Mehari, marking the return of a classic design, will be limited to Europe.
